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A visit to the beach is an ideal way to spend a summer day, and it can be tempting to take your dog along.
In This Article
While going to the beach isn’t the best option for all dogs, for the right ones, it offers new sights, sounds, and smells to experience as well as opportunities for exciting games. There are potential dangers to be aware of, too, of course. Maximize your fun by trying these activities, training these behaviors, and watching for these hazards.
Beach Activities You Can Do With Your Dog
You can do many of your dog’s favorite backyard activities at the beach. For example, you can play tug-of-war or provide your dog with their favorite puzzle toy. But don’t miss out on all the opportunities for beach-related excitement. Here are some activities to try on your next beach outing.
Fun on the Shore
Go for a walk and let your dog explore the shore. Take it slow and let them take in new experiences like sniffing seaweed, watching scuttling crabs, or chasing seagulls. But don’t let your dog eat the seaweed or sand, both of which are dangerous for dogs to consume.
If your dog loves to dig, they’ll have a great time playing in the sand. Alternatively, you can build sandcastles and then let your dog destroy them.
For a game of fetch on the beach, bring along a ball or flying disc. Be sure to choose a quiet spot so your dog’s enthusiasm for the game doesn’t disturb other beachgoers.
Activities in the Water
If your dog is new to the water, teach them to swim at their own pace. Be sure to fit them with a life jacket to provide extra confidence. Remember, even experienced dogs need constant supervision while they’re in the water. If your dog is a confident swimmer, see if they might enjoy balancing on a board and surfing the waves. Learning to balance is also great for dog sports, such as agility. And if the water is calm enough, get your dog’s life jacket and try a canoe or kayak ride together.
When playing fetch in the water, choose a brightly-colored floating toy so your dog can spot it on top of the waves. Be sure to stick to relatively shallow water, as a bad throw can send your dog too far out from the shoreline. Splashing through the waves is a fun game, too, but your dog can easily overtire. So, stay close to shore and don’t leave your dog’s side.
Whatever activities you decide to pursue, always supervise your dog. It’s important for your dog’s safety, but it’s also part of responsible dog ownership. Don’t let your dog disturb wildlife, damage vegetation, or become a nuisance to other people or dogs on the beach.
Training Your Dog Ahead of a Beach Outing
To ensure a safe and enjoyable beach day, make sure your dog has these skills down before you go.
Recall and Basic Obedience
Before going to the beach, your dog should have a reliable recall. Many activities require letting your dog off-leash, so you need to be certain they’ll come back to you when called.
All your dog’s basic obedience behaviors should be under your control with either a hand signal or verbal cue. If your dog isn’t ready for that kind of freedom, stick to on-leash pursuits like walks along the shore.
‘Leave It’
A solid “leave it” is another important cue for your dog to understand. It tells your dog to leave something alone — whether that’s garbage on the beach, a dead fish at the water’s edge, or food in somebody else’s picnic basket. With enough practice, this cue can also tell your dog to ignore something like wildlife or other beachgoers.
Comfort Around Crowds
Your dog should also be well-socialized and comfortable sharing toys with others. Beaches can get busy, and your dog might encounter loads of people and other dogs. For a social butterfly, that’s all part of the fun. However, if your dog is uncomfortable around people or other dogs, choose quiet times to visit the beach, such as earlier on a weekday morning, rather than peak hours.
What to Watch for When at the Beach With Your Dog
There are some obvious dangers at the beach like rough waves, but you might not be aware of other hazards like drinking salt water. There are also rules to follow like leash laws and scooping up your dog’s waste. The following list will help you know what to watch for at the beach:
- Check the rules. Not all beaches and swimming areas allow dogs. And some locations only allow them on certain days or at certain times. It’s also important to follow the leash regulations. Your dog might be allowed off-leash in some areas but not others.
- Watch for heatstroke. Provide your dog with shade and plenty of chances to rest. You might also have them wear protective gear, like a sun hat or cooling vest. Consider limiting your beach visits to early or late in the day when the sun isn’t as strong.
- Apply sunscreen to your dog. Dogs can suffer from sunburn, so use pet-safe sunscreen on your dog’s nose, ears, and any other areas with sparse fur.
- Provide lots of fresh water. Your dog can easily dehydrate in the heat of summer, so bring an insulated dog bowl and frequently offer cool water to drink. Try to limit the amount of salt water your dog may drink as it can make them sick.
- Prevent your dog from eating sand. It can block your dog’s intestines, causing an impaction.
- Speak to a lifeguard about the water conditions. Situations such as rough waves or strong currents can make the water too dangerous for your dog.
- Be on the lookout for dangerous sea animals, like stingrays and jellyfish, that could be near the shore.
- Avoid hot sand. Especially midday, sand can get blisteringly hot and can burn your dog’s paw pads. Consider booties to protect their feet or stick to walking along the water’s edge.
Key Takeaways
- Not all dogs are suited for the beach; preparation and supervision are essential
- Mix familiar games with new beach-specific activities to keep your dog engaged
- Focus on recall, obedience, and “leave it” before visiting
- Watch for hazards like heat, dehydration, wildlife, and hot sand
- Follow local beach rules and always prioritize safety
Frequently Asked Questions
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How do I keep my dog from drinking salt water?
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Bring plenty of fresh water and offer it frequently, especially after activity. Redirect your dog if they approach the ocean to drink and keep them engaged with toys or commands.
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Does my dog need a life jacket?
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A life jacket is recommended, especially for inexperienced swimmers or in areas with waves or currents. Even strong swimmers benefit from the added safety and visibility.
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What’s the best time of day to visit the beach with a dog?
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Early morning or late afternoon is ideal. These times help reduce heat exposure, avoid hot sand, and often mean fewer crowds, making the experience more comfortable for your dog.
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How do you take your dog to the beach for the first time?
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Start with a short visit during a quiet time of day. Keep your dog on a leash, let them explore gradually, and reward calm behavior. Bring familiar toys and plenty of fresh water. Stay close, watch their comfort level, and end the visit before they become overwhelmed.
This article is intended solely as general guidance, and does not constitute health or other professional advice. Individual situations and applicable laws vary by jurisdiction, and you are encouraged to obtain appropriate advice from qualified professionals in the applicable jurisdictions. We make no representations or warranties concerning any course of action taken by any person following or otherwise using the information offered or provided in this article, including any such information associated with and provided in connection with third-party products, and we will not be liable for any direct, indirect, consequential, special, exemplary or other damages that may result, including but not limited to economic loss, injury, illness or death.